Students should identify in subject line they are medical students (i.e. medical student-First & Last Name-refund question)

Phone: 252-328-6610

This phone number is answered by representatives in the Financial Aid Call Center. Students should identify that they are a Brody Medical Student and request to speak with Deana Summerlin.

Fax: 252-328-4347

Address fax to Deana Summerlin

Please note to send future scholarship checks and or correspondence to Ms. Summerlin.

Applying for Financial Aid

If you are planning to use Financial Aid as a means of paying your tuition, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or renewal FAFSA via the web (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Please indicate that you want your information released to East Carolina University, school code 002923.

If this is your first time applying, you will need to request a pin number (www.pin.ed.gov.) As a medical student, you are automatically considered independent for financial aid purposes. Only your income is used to calculate eligibility for the Federal Stafford Loan programs. BSOM does not require you to report parental income information on the FAFSA.

Students may submit their FAFSA beginning January 1. However, if you plan to file a tax return, you are encouraged to submit your FAFSA during that time.

BSOM does not enforce a FAFSA deadline. However, students are encouraged to submit as early as possible to secure funding prior to the start of class.

If you need help completing the FAFSA, contact the U.S. Department of Education at: 1-800-433-3243

Award Package

Based on the information you reported on the FAFSA,that information is applied to a formula established by the U.S. Department of Education. The formula calculates you and/or your family's ability to pay for your educational expenses. The formula is referred to as your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your financial need is the difference between your cost of attendance and your Expected Family Contribution.

This calculation is often expressed as follows: Cost of Attendance – EFC = Need based eligibility

Your award package may consist of federal student loans and institutional grants and/or scholarship(s) you are eligible to receive. Your total award package cannot exceed the cost of attendance. If you expect to receive any other form of financial assistance, please complete the Additional Aid and Other Resources Form below. Failure to do so can result in a financial aid over award and may require you to repay funds.

Additional Aid and Other Resources Form

Federal Loan Programs

Federal Direct Loans are long-term, low-interest student loans provided by the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution. Graduate/Professional students are eligible for the following types of Direct Loans;

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Not based on financial need; interest accrues during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods. The 2014-2015 interest rate beginning July 1, 2014 is 6.21% FIXED. There is a 1.072% loan processing fee deducted from the original amount accepted. Payment on this loan does not begin until 6 months after graduation or if you drop below half time enrollment. Standard repayment period is 10 years, but can be extended.

Graduate Plus Loan

This loan is available to a student who has borrowed the maximum in Unsubsidized loan for the academic year. The Graduate Plus Loan is credit based and requires credit approval. Students may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus any other financial aid received for that year. The 2014-2015 interest rate beginning July 1, 2014 is 7.21% FIXED. There is a 4.288% loan processing fee deducted from the original amount accepted. Payment on this loan does not begin until 6 months after graduation or if you drop below half time enrollment.Standard repayment period is 10 years, but can be extended.

If you are borrowing a Direct Loan through BSOM for the first time, you must complete the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note by logging into www.studentloans.gov. Our office will be notified electronically when each requirement has been successfully completed.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) provides students with an idea of what costs might be incurred as a medical student attending BSOM. There are two types of costs listed: direct costs and indirect costs.

Direct Costs include tuition and fees that are paid directly to the university. The student health insurance plan is also a direct cost for students who choose to purchase the plan.

Indirect Costs are expenses you will likely pay during the academic year. Indirect costs are not billed by the university. Example of indirect costs include; books and supplies, rent, transportation, and personal expenses. Indirect costs are simply estimates. You can control how much you spend. Use our estimates as a starting point and then budget appropriately. Keep in mind that the Financial Aid Office can only award students with an amount of aid equal to or less than their cost of attendance.

Married students and/or students with dependents should note that your budget only includes living expenses solely for you. The expectation is that the living expenses of your spouse and dependents will be met through spouse’s earnings.

However, students may apply to receive additional loans for child day care costs and for other unusual expenses that affect the student's ability to pay. Students will be required to provide documentation such as receipts at time of request. These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Cost of Attendance does not include consumer debts, such as car payments, bank loans, or credit card obligations which students may have established prior to medical school. Students should try to eliminate previous debts before beginning their medical school career.

The 2015-2016 Cost of Attendance isUnder Construction

COST OF ATTENDANCE for academic year 2014-2015

M1

M2

M3

M4

Tuition & Fees

$19,000.00

$19,000.00

$19,000.00

$19,000.00

Health Insurance

$1,376.00

$1,376.00

$1,376.00

$1,376.00

Laptop

$1,200.00

na

na

na

Books & Supplies

$1,363.00

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

Rent & utilities

$8,748.00

$10,169.00

$11,352.00

$9,697.00

Food/grocery

$6,179.00

$7,181.00

$8,016.00

$6,847.00

Transportation/permit

$2,466.00

$2,865.00

$3,198.00

$2,945.00

Residency application / Interview expenses

na

na

na

2,622.00

Personal/Misc.

$2,471.00

$2,870.00

$3,204.00

$2,737.00

PPD(immunization)

na

$15.00

$15.00

na

Background Check

na

na

$25.00

na

Usmle Step 1 / 2 exam(s)

na

$580.00

$580.00

$1,230.00

Direct Loan Processing Fees

$458.00

$483.00

$512.00

$482.00

TOTAL

$43,261.00

$45,539.00

$48,278.00

$47,936.00

Return of Title IV Funds

The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University's refund policy for Title IV recipients has been changed to the return of Title IV funds policy. The change in policy will be effective July 2000. All students also are subject to the University policy as published by the Cashier’s Office and University Bulletin 100% refund the first week, 75% refund the second week, 50% refund the third week, and 25% refund the fourth week. This means that under the return to Title IV policy, you may have unearned loans returned to your servicer. At the same time under the University policy, you may owe money to the university.

If a Title IV aid (Direct Loan) recipient withdraws before the end of a semester, the institution must calculate the amount of Title IV aid (Direct Loan) the student did not earn. Unearned Title IV funds must be returned to the loan servicer. If you must withdraw or take a leave of absence from Brody School of Medicine, you must meet with the Dean in the Office of Student Affairs. Once a course of action has been determined, an enrollment plan is prepared for the student. The student will also meet with the Director of Student Services/Financial Aid who will counsel the student on the amount of Title IV aid earned, what amount if any will be returned, and the amount of Title IV aid the student must repay. You will also be required to complete an exit interview.

Scholarships & Grants

Various scholarship funds are administered by ECU Medical & Health Sciences Foundation. Awards are based on financial need and/or academic potential as ascertained by the Scholarship Committee. Preference is given to those students who meet the mission of the school and the criteria outlined by each scholarship description. A scholarship committee member will email students directly when the scholarship application becomes available each year.

Listed below is a sampling of scholarships available;

Bunting Scholarship -Award made to a student in good academic standing and financial need at the BSOM.

Class of 1986 Endowment Fund -Award is made to a student who demonstrates outstanding character and financial need at the BSOM.

Class of 1995 Endowment Fund -Award is made to a graduating M4 student who has demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to community service.

Goforth Scholarship - Award made to a student interested in primary care and willingness to serve Eastern N.C. First priority is given to students from Wilson, Greene, or Lenoir counties, and advantage given to children of BSOM alumni.

Gray-Truslow Scholarship - Award made to a student with financial need. Preference given to students from Rockingham or Forsyth Counties .

Health Sciences Golf Classic Scholarship - Award made to M3 and M4 students enrolled at the BSOM.

MacDonald Scholarship - Award made to a student in good academic standing and financial need at the BSOM. Military background preferred.

McLean Scholarship - Award made to a deserving M4 student with financial need, scholastic achievement and interest in primary care.

Meyers Scholarship - Award made to a student in good academic standing and financial need at the BSOM.
Physical Medicine Rehab Scholarship - Award made to a rising M3 who expresses interest in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Puente Scholarship - Award made to a student in good academic standing and financial need at the BSOM.

Samia Scholarship - Award made to a student in good academic standing with financial need.

Slivon Scholarship - Award made to a student with a background in nursing and interest in primary care.

Thompson Memorial Scholarship -P reference given to students from Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin Counties.

Trevathan Scholarship - Award made to any deserving M1 student.

The following scholarships require a nomination from a BSOM official. The nomination process takes place during a students admission interview process.Only students who have been accepted for admission will be considered due to the fact this these awards are renewable for up to 4 years. Nominated students will be contacted by BSOM before matriculation.

Board of Governors Medical Scholarship/Loan
Due to the repeal of this program by the 2011 North Carolina General Assembly, the 2011-12 academic year was the last for which new recipients were selected. Current recipients will be renewed if eligible; however, beginning with the 2012-13 academic year, new applicants must apply for funding through the Forgivable Education Loans for Service Program (FELS). FELS program details are available at CFNC.org/FELS.

Brody Scholarship – A full scholarship is awarded to 4 incoming medical students each year. Preference is given to eastern North Carolina residents who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership potential and a sincere interest in primary care medicine. Upon admittance, the Scholarship Committee recommends students to the Brody Foundation Board of Directors for consideration. If a student maintains acceptable academic progress, these funds are renewable for up to four years of medical school. For more information please click on the link www.ecu.edu/brodyscholars

The North Carolina Legislative Grant for Minority Medical Students – awarded to an under represented minority that meets mission of school.

Southern Medical Association Scholarship - based on scholastic achievement and financial need, these funds are awarded to one to three third year students by the Medical Student Scholarship Fund of the Southern Medical Association. Recipients are selected by the ECU Scholarship Committee.

Scholarships that require a separate application.

Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students - is need based funding available to full time health professions students that come from educationally and/or financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Students are required to submit parental income information in order to apply. An announcement will be made when applications are available through BSOM.

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program - provides tuition, educational expenses and a monthly stipend on an annual basis to students who will serve not less than one year for every year of scholarship support, or two years whichever is greater. Students must be full time and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. To request an application, call 1-800-221-9393.

Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs - Information is available on Navy, Air Force, Army, and North Carolina National Guard Scholarships in the Office of Student Affairs. These scholarships provide educational expenses and a monthly stipend. Students who apply and are accepted accrue active military duty on a year-to-year basis, with a minimum of two years service obligation. There are also grants available during residency.

Education Tax Incentives

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more parents and students will qualify over the next two years for a tax credit, the American Opportunity Credit, to pay for college expenses. The new credit modifies the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making the Hope Credit available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds required course materials to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student. The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. The credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels. These income limits are higher than under the existing Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits. For more information, visit: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205674,00.html

Satisfactory Academic Progress

This policy has been developed to ensure that the Student Financial Aid Program meets or exceeds requirements set forth by federal regulations governing academic standards of progress for financial aid eligibility. This policy applies to those students receiving Title IV financial aid. Federal guidelines require that a policy be determined that is both quantitative (time frame) and qualitative (grades) for financial assistance. A student in “good academic standing” is one who has officially matriculated and is presently pursuing a program of study defined by the University as leading to the satisfactory completion of that program. In addition, the student must be proceeding at a pace which, if continued, will lead to the awarding of a medical degree.

In order to receive federal and other types of financial aid, students must comply with the Brody School of Medicine’s Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines and financial aid guidelines.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress:You must maintain satisfactory academic progress in your program of study in order to receive financial aid. There will be four Student Review and Promotion Committees representing each of four curriculum years (M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4). Each committee will review student performance during the given academic year, and make recommendations concerning students' academic development to the Dean. Each committee is responsible for recommending student promotion to a subsequent year. Details are available at: https://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/bsomstudentaffairs/MD_StudentGrading.cfm

Requirements:
Students must be admitted and enrolled as MD degree seeking students on at least a half-time basis as defined by the Dean for Student Affairs and meet the University’s standards for continued enrollment in the MD degree program as specified in the BSOM Survival Manual Chapter 10 (specified in the Student Grading and Promotions Policy as adopted by the School of Medicine faculty, September 23, 1980 and revised March 1999).

The normal timeframe for completion of required coursework for the MD degree is four academic years. Due to academic or personal difficulties, a student may require additional time. General requirements are that full time medical students may not exceed the 150% time limitation (6 years) to complete the program for which he or she is enrolled. If a student is registered full time, he/she should complete the first two years of the curriculum by the end of the third academic year after matriculation.

A student registering for less than full-time enrollment is calculated based upon a proportion of the actual registered hours since the time of first enrollment. If a student is re-mediating and repeating coursework, he/she must pass and complete all the re-mediated courses that semester(s).

The period of time for which a student is registered to pursue a full-time non-credit research fellowship shall be excluded from the maximum time frame in which an individual student will be expected to complete the program.

Leave of Absence:A student may be granted a leave of absence for a variety of reasons. The period of leave for which the student has been approved may be excluded from the maximum time frame in which an individual student will be expected to complete the program. Financial aid however may be affected by a leave of absence. Consult your financial aid director if you are thinking about a leave of absence. For more details regarding Leave of Absence and Withdrawals, please refer to the following link http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/bsomstudentaffairs/MD_StudentGrading.cfm

Transfers:For transfer students, the total years for completion of a degree include time spent at the previous institution. Hours are applied toward the degree objective at this institution.

Course of Action:If a student is not making academic progress, the Director of Financial Aid and or Promotions and Review committee will review the student’s record and recommend a course of action which may consists of one of the following;

Financial Aid Probation: In the event that a student fails to meet any of the above criteria in a particular semester, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. A student in this category may receive financial aid for the upcoming semester although at the end of that semester the student must have completed the designated number of requirements. A student who has not completed the designated number of requirements by the end of the probationary semester will be suspended from the receipt of further financial aid.

Financial Aid Suspension: Normally consists of one semester of an academic year in which you will not receive Title IV federal financial aid because of failure to meet the minimum Good Standing requirement during the Financial Aid Probation period. You may appeal with evidence of extenuating circumstances.

Appeal of Financial Aid Probation/Suspension:
Students have the right to appeal their Financial Aid Probation/Suspension status. Federal regulations provide limited flexibility based upon appropriate documentation of circumstances. In the case where a student can demonstrate mitigating circumstances which contributed toward his/her inability to achieve satisfactory academic performance (e.g. illness, or death in the family), the Director of Financial Aid may reinstate the student's financial aid eligibility. Eligibility for subsequent terms would be determined following an evaluation of performance for the reinstated enrollment term. If necessary, a copy of the letter of appeal may be forwarded to the ad hoc appeals committee for review. All appeal decisions are final. The student will be notified in writing of the results. If financial aid is suspended, no further aid is disbursed until the student meets requirements.

Conditions of Reinstatement:A student shall be reinstated for financial aid eligibility at such time as he or she successfully completes sufficient hours and has a sufficient GPA to meet the minimum eligibility requirements as set forth in this policy. It is the student’s responsibility to present evidence to the Financial Aid Office at the time he/she has met minimum requirements for reinstatement. The student will observe all normal application procedures and deadlines for financial aid consideration.

Financial Aid Appeal Procedure:
A detailed appeal letter must be delivered to the Financial Aid Office for review by the Director of Financial Aid. In making determination to reinstate or not reinstate the student's eligibility for further financial aid, the Director will assess the factors that contributed to the student not complying with the minimum academic requirements. The Financial Aid Director will inform the student of this decision, in writing. If the appeal is granted an agreement for continued financial aid will be included, outlining the conditions of the continuation.

HOST Program

HELP OUR STUDENTS TRAVEL

The HOST Program is designed to connect BSOM medical students with alumni volunteers during the residency interview process. Coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs, HOST will grow the national network of BSOM medical alumni while reducing medical students’ expenses as they travel around the country for residency interviews.

As an alumni volunteer, you are asked to provide a student or students with a free place to stay during the interview process. You are also in an optimal situation to share your personal residency training experience and insight into the medical center and community in which they are interviewing.

In addition to what you will offer as a volunteer alumni host, this program promises you much in return. You will learn firsthand about the Brody School of Medicine today, the new curriculum, and changes on campus. Also, you will have the opportunity to renew your personal sense of pride as it is reflected in these outstanding students who have met the challenges of a highly demanding medical program.

As an alumni volunteer during the residency placement process, you will be instrumental in welcoming new BSOM residents who will be relocating to your community.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Office of Student Affairs (252) 744-2278.

How many times can I use the HOST program? We ask that you limit the use of the program to 5 times so that we are able to accommodate as many students as possible. If you have more than 5 requests, we will work with you to try to accommodate, but will do so with other students in mind.

Is my spouse able to stay with me? Many hosts welcome spouses.

Can I stay with a host for more than one day? That is up to the HOST volunteer. We expect that some alumni host students for a week while the student completed several interviews in the region. Other alumni may only host students for 3 days just so the student could get a better travel rate on a Saturday stay over flight. We will work with our alumni volunteers to best suit your travel needs.

Who are the HOST volunteers? All hosts are BSOM alumni - they have attended the Brody School of Medicine formally know as the East Carolina University School of Medicine Medicine for their undergraduate and/or graduate medical education, associated medical sciences or graduate basic sciences.

Where are HOSTs available? There are potentially hosts anywhere you want to travel. If you have a question of whether or not there is a host in an area that you are interested in, please call our office at 744-2278.

What can I expect from the host? We simply ask the alumni hosts to provide overnight accommodations in their home for you, although many hosts go above and beyond by offering transportation to and from interviews and airports, home cooked meals, guided tours of the area and invaluable professional insight on the regional medical community and your prospective medical center.

How do I sign up to utilize the HOST program? Fill out the Student Registration Form to let us know when and where you will be traveling. We ask that you let us know about your travels as soon as possible so we can have as much time as we can to contact and find a host for you.

Do I contact the alumni host? After you have completed the on-line Student Registration Form, we will contact the alumni host and secure their interest and availability. We will then provide you with the alumnus' information. It is then up to you to contact your host and share the details of your travel and interview plans and arrange your stay. We ask that you contact them as soon as we give you their information so they know that you are definitely staying with them. If plans change, you can always contact them again.

How far in advance should I contact my host? Contact your host as soon as we give you their information. If you are matched early, contact your host right away and again when it gets closer to the date of your travel. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

What do I do if my travel or interview plans change or get canceled? Contact your host as soon as possible and let them know about the change in plans. Also, please inform Kelly Lancaster, HOST Program Coordinator, of the change as soon as you can.

Do I need to do anything after returning from using the HOST program? Yes, we ask that you send a thank you note to the alumnus who hosted your stay.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the HOST program? Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 744-2278.